Room 217 students won't forget 'Mr. Mac'

Tuesday

May 29, 2012 at 3:15 AMMay 31, 2012 at 9:47 AM

BY THE STUDENTS OF STEVE MACKENZIESomersworth High School

"O captain! My captain!" is the title of a poem by Walt Whitman to Mr. Abraham Lincoln. In the 1989 film Dead Poets Society, beloved English teacher Mr. Keating invites the boys, if they are daring, to address him by, "O Captain, my captain." And so it is, when their favorite English teacher is leaving the school, the boys of Welton Academy stand a salute to their teacher by saying, "O Captain, my captain."

As many of the students of Room 217, students of Steve MacKenzie say good-bye to their most beloved teacher, "Mr. Mac," this is their salute: (names have been removed as per school policy).

O Captain! My Captain!: You showed me how a class could become a family. I learned it isn't possible to hate everything in everybody if you just believe in Mr. Mac's class.

You were my anchor, you were from the start.

You showed me that it is OK to give out more than just a second chance. Those third and fourth chances are sometimes the best ones. You were there whenever I needed someone to talk to. You taught me how to move on from the past and look forward to the future.

You've taught me to forgive.

You taught me that love is the strongest weapon. You taught me to have patience with others. You taught me that anyone can become your family. You've taught me to think deeply and love deeper. You've kept my mind open, and I will never forget our time spent together.

You are a very loving teacher and always made the class fun. Coming to your class it always made my day to come to such a loving and welcoming environment with Mac n Zach! You've taught me to be the best that I possibly can.

You taught me to acknowledge all students, even the ones you didn't know, with a warm 'hello'. You've taught me that if I matter than a person that I don't like matters. You've taught me to push myself to the maximum and never give up. You've taught me to be myself and love doing it. You taught me to love without fear.

You taught me how to be compassionate. You have taught me that everything in life is my decision, so I can't complain. You have taught me that hugs are necessary. You always enter the classroom with such enthusiasm.

You love your students and loved your job. I had never met someone so passionate about what they do. Thank you for making me confident in speaking in front of people. Thank you for making me feel at home from the first day I walked in your class. You are always one of the kindest men I have ever met. Just your presence filled the room with happiness.

Thanks for being a teacher that we can all come to on a personal level.

I will miss you and your wise words.

I appreciate you always being available.

I have come to expect your hugs, love, and "how ahhhyou?"s. I'll miss you greatly.

You have taught me to love bigger than myself.

We love you Mr. Mac!

Steve MacKenzie is retiring at the end of this school year as an English teacher at Somersworth High School.